Biochemistry Ph.D. Data-Based Decisions
Writing Skills
Concern
Some Biochemistry PhD students do not have sufficient writing skills by the time they are preparing the dissertation.
Proposed Solutions
In 2018, the Biochemistry division implemented the following procedure as part of the oral exam.
"Within one week after receipt of this proposal each member of the examination committee will inform the chairman of the committee if the writing or style of the proposal is unacceptable. If unacceptable in writing or style, the student will resubmit the revised proposal until acceptable to all members. Each member of the Exam Committee (not including the PI) will prepare a written evaluation of the proposal (in a format similar to NIH or NSF) and provide the evaluation to the student two weeks before the exam date. Following the exam, students will likely be asked to carefully consider these evaluations and revise their written proposal accordingly."
Evaluation
As of the Spring 2020, we have only been through exams with this format for two students, but it seems to be a good exercise for the students. We will continue to monitor the quality of PhD student writing and assess if this procedure results in improvement.
Recruitment
Concern
In 2019, the Graduate Recruiting Committee collected, analyzed, and reported data concerning recruitment efforts, outcomes, and expenditures from the past several years. The analysis clearly showed that our application numbers have been in decline for several years, with only 32 total applications (Chemistry and Biochemistry) last year to fill the eight graduate student positions we ultimately brought in. (It is important to know that the eight we brought in was 3-4 students short of our goal, but we simply did not have qualified applicants available to fill all of the positions).
Proposed Solution
In 2019, the Graduate Recruiting Committee devised a list of proposed approaches to increase the number of graduate student application. These are outlined below. The Department will also continue its Summer Undergraduate Research Program and annual faculty recruiting visits to local Universities.
- Hire an undergraduate student from the Department of Communication & Media to assist us in developing/enhancing our social media presence so that we are more visible to applicants and to provide a platform for sharing information about our Department and graduate opportunities. Also, work with the undergraduate student to develop a recruiting flyer that will be shared via social media and postal service (mailings will target faculty contacts at local “feeder schools”.
- Waive the graduate application fee ($55) for all of our applicants. Our Department worked with the Graduate School to generate and distribute “promo-codes” that could be entered by the applicant to waive the need to include payment information. The fee for that application could then be charged directly to the Department.
Evaluation
As of Spring 2020, we do not have enough data about student application numbers to assess the effects of these changes. Data will be collected and assessed over the next few years.
Foundational Knowledge
Concern
Some of Biochemistry PhD students have a weak foundational knowledge when entering the program.
Proposed Solution
In Fall 2019, a new requirement was implemented that entering Biochemistry PhD students must take CHEM 5700 (Principles of Biochemistry) and CHEM 5710 (General Biochemistry II) exams along with the students (primarily undergraduate majors) who are enrolled in the courses. Students must pass 7 out of 8 exams with an 80% or higher; they have two years to do so or they will not be allowed to continue in the PhD program.
Evaluation
As of Spring 2020, eight graduate students (PhD and Masters) have taken the Chem5700 exams last semester and the anonymous results are shown below. (Exam 3 had a 5-point bonus question, explaining why several students scored >100%).
| Exam1 (%) | Exam2 (%) | Exam3 (%) | Final Exam (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student "A" | 92 | 96 | 97 | 79.2 |
| Student "B" | 82 | 91 | 97 | 69.6 |
| Student "C" | 77 | 82 | 92 | 88.8 |
| Student "D" | 74 | 86 | 102 | 84 |
| Student "E" | 83 | 85 | 78 | 64.8 |
| Student "F" | 78 | 45 | 72 | 68 |
| Student "G" | 87 | 85 | N/A | 82.4 |
| Student "H" | 97 | 91 | 101 | 84 |
| Class Average | 71+/-14 | 73+/-17 | 76+/-17 | 67+/-16 |
Professional Development Skills Assessment
Problem
Some faculty noted that there was not adequate discussion about student progress on professional development skills during the Annual Supervisory Committee meetings.
Proposed Solution
In Spring 2019, a Graduate Student Skills Matrix was developed by the Biochemistry Division. Students were asked to perform self-assessment for each skill listed in the matrix before the Annual Meeting. Student self-assessment and Committee assessment was then discussed during the meeting.
Evaluation
During the one semester in which the Skills Matrix has been used so far, faculty were pleased with its outcome, indicating that it is promoting valuable discussion and an opportunity to provide feedback during the meetings. The usefulness of the Skills Matrix will continue to be evaluated during the next few years.